Array along a polyline path

[H.Hunter]

I am trying to find a simple way to create an array (which is actually just one perpendicular line offset about 100 times) along a single polyline path at a given offset. This would be similar to the EXTRUDE command along a polyline path, only 2D.

I want the perpendicular line's midpoint to follow the polyline and rotate the line so it remains perpendicular to the polyline. Each perpendicular line will be offset from each other at the same distance along the polyline.

I could mathematically figure out how many lines I would have in each segment and then divide and create the lines, but I am looking for a way that doesn't require excessive boredom and clicking.

Thanks in advance for those that reply.

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Look at the _.Measure or _.Divide command (Hint - Block option with either command will work well for your needs).

Have a good one, Mike

[H.Hunter]

Thanks, Mike. It's not as automated as I would like, but it works better than what I was doing. I'll have to find some time to generate a routine or something.

[LanceMcHatton]

Thanks, Mike. It's not as automated as I would like, but it works better than what I was doing. I'll have to find some time to generate a routine or something.

How would you like it to work better?

[H.Hunter]

That's like asking if I would want free money. I'll take better if you've got it.

[LanceMcHatton]

That's like asking if I would want free money. I'll take better if you've got it.

I'm just wondering what you're looking for to make it more automated. What do you need that it's not giving you?

[H.Hunter]

To best describe what I'm trying to do:

I have a centerline on a site plan (working in AutoCAD 2k5) that's x-feet long (for this example, let's say 50-feet). The centerline is a polyline with both curved and straight sections. I want to add a line along that polyline every y feet (let's say 5-feet) that intersects with the polyline at it's midpoint and remains perpendicular along the entire length of the polyline. The perpendicular lines will be, let's say, 2-feet long.

Traditionally, I would draw one line and offset/array along the straight segments and then attempt some polar arrary along the arc segments. With Mike's suggestion, I can use the endpoints to refine it a little better, but it's still more of a hassle than I would like. Just imagine a 2D Extrude command, using it along a polyline path except I only want the extrusion to appear every x-feet along the path.

I attached a basic example of a straight section.

[scott.wilcox]

Make a block of the line you want to "array". Use it's midpoint as the block's base point.
Use MEASURE, select the polyline you want the marks to appear along.
Type B for block, enter the name of the block you created.
Type Y to align block with object.
Enter spacing between blocks.

Scott

[LanceMcHatton]

Make a block of the line you want to "array". Use it's midpoint as the block's base point.
Use MEASURE, select the polyline you want the marks to appear along.
Type B for block, enter the name of the block you created.
Type Y to align block with object.
Enter spacing between blocks.

Ditto.

[H.Hunter]

I thank you all. It's nice to learn new ways to stuff.